Crape Myrtle

Through the hottest weeks of summer, crape myrtle carries long-lasting clusters of crinkled blooms in pink, purple, red, and white. Smooth, mottled bark peels away to reveal sculptural trunks long after the flowers fade. Plant it as a specimen, street tree, or flowering hedge, or grow it in containers and as bonsai. Heat, full sun, and dry spells suit it well once established. Seed needs no pretreatment, and because seedlings vary, a batch may surprise you with a mix of flower colors.